‘Chicken’ Category

Shkmeruli (შქმერული) is a chicken dish from the Georgia’s Racha region. A young chicken is usually used for this recipe and is cooked in milk and garlic. Sour cream can be used instead of milk.

Ingredients (1-2 servings):

1 whole young chicken

1 head of garlic,

300 ml of milk

100 ml of water

a few tablespoons of oil

salt to taste

Preparation method:

Cut the chicken lengthwise but do not separate into two halves, flattening it down on its back.

Rub oil and salt on to both sides of the chicken.

Add to a pan a few tablespoons of oil, add the flattened chicken and press it down with a pestle or bit heavier ceramic pot, to keep the chicken flat on the bottom of the frying pan and fries nicely and even.

Fry both sides of the chicken, about 5 minutes each side until nicely golden.

Meanwhile crush the garlic in a mortar or using a heavy knife against the chopping block.

When the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Cut into 6-8 pieces.

Add the crushed garlic to the pan with the remaining fats from the chicken frying.

Fry over low heat for about 2 minutes, then add the water and continue to simmer for 2 more minutes.

Add theof milk and chicken pieces and simmer for 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Adjust salt to taste.(This final cooking in milk is traditionally done in a clay pot called in Georgian – ketsi – but i preferred the speedier version over the stove.)

Serve while hot with bread. If you have Georgian bread, it’s a great plus! 😊